Bon Phan

Bon “John” Phan is a Vietnamese-American professional poker player from Da Nang, Vietnam who currently resides in Los Angeles, California. Bon has accumulated over $6 million in live career earnings and has won two WSOP bracelets. His best live cash of $1,091,428 came when he won at Legends of Poker in August 2008.

In addition, he was sponsored by the now-defunct Full Tilt Poker and clinched the Card Player Player of the Year award in 2008.

Bon “John” Phan: Early Life

Born on October 10, 1974, in Da Nang, Vietnam, Phan’s family moved to Stockton, California, when he was just eight years old to find a better life. He worked in his family’s grocery store while growing up. At 16, he found his love for poker, playing low-limit games at a local cardroom run by a close friend of his. After high school, he went to community college, but his true passion for poker took priority over his studies.

Phan eventually headed to casinos in Sacramento, where he began playing bigger games. Realizing the earning potential at the tables, he dropped out of college, and by his 21st birthday, he was a full-time poker player. In 1998, he achieved his first significant success by winning in the Big Poker Oktober tournament in Los Angeles.

Bon Phan: Live Tournament Participation

Bon Phan’s first recorded live cash occurred in October 1998 during the Big Poker Oktober in Los Angeles. He finished 1st in a $200 + 20 7 Card Stud, winning $6,080.

In February 2005, Bon played in a $2,425 + 155 No Limit Hold’em at the L.A Poker Classic. He finished in 1st place and won $40,185.

Later in April of that year, he participated in a $25,000 + 500 No Limit Hold’em Championship – WPT Main Event at the Third Annual Five-Star World Poker Classic. Bon finished in 4th place and earned $518,920.

Continuing his success, he finished in 2nd place at 38th WSOP in June 2007, earning $330,846.

Following this, on June 15th, 2008, Bon entered in a $3,000 No Limit Hold’em at the 39th WSOP. He secured his first bracelet and won a cash prize of $434,789.

It was a lucky day for Bon, as he clinched his second bracelet at the same event on June 22nd. He played in the $2,500 Deuce to Seven Triple Draw and bagged $151,911.

During the Legends of Poker in Los Angeles in August 2008, he finished in 1st place. Bon engaged in a $9,500 + 500 No Limit Hold’em – Championship Event and won his biggest live cash of $1,091,428.

The Razor Other Notable Achievements

• January 9th, 2004: $500 + 50 Limit Hold’em at the Fifth Annual Jack Binion World Poker Open in Tunica ($160,965)
• January 13th, 2004: $500 + 50 Pot Limit Hold’em the Fifth Annual Jack Binion World Poker Open in Tunica ($85,257)
• July 2004: $3,000 + 100 No Limit Hold’em at Festa al Lago II in Las Vegas ($189,900)
• August 2004: $300 + 30 No Limit Hold’em at the Legends of Poker in Los Angeles ($76,920)

Conclusion

Bon “John” Phan is a successful Vietnamese-American poker player known for his impressive skills and achievements. Born in Vietnam and raised in California, he found his passion for poker as a teenager. Over the years, he has earned more than $6 million in live tournaments and won two WSOP bracelets. His biggest win was over $1 million at the Legends of Poker in 2008. With a strong career and many notable victories, Bon has established himself as a respected figure in the poker world.